62º | Sunny | 0% chance of rain | Sunrise 6:52 a.m. | Sunset 4:59 p.m. | High tides 6:25 a.m. and 8:27 p.m. | Low tide 1:53 p.m.
You’re a poet and we know it
How to submit to our 2023 poetry contest
Think you’ve got what it takes to turn this newsletter into a poem? | Photo by Karolina Grabowska via Pexels
Calling all readers: In honor of National Poetry Month, you’re officially invited to enter SDtoday’s first poetry contest.
This contest is open to all, and the rules couldn’t be more simple: Turn today’s newsletter into a poem.
We’ll clarify. Using only the words that appear in this newsletter, craft an original poem of up to 75 words. Unlike an erasure poem, the words do not have to appear in the order they’re found — mix and match how you please. Any English word appearing anywhere in today’s newsletter is fair game, including the ones you’re reading right now (we’ll throw some fun ones at you: Pink. Gusto. Enchilada.). If a word appears once, you can only use it once.
The rules:
Submit your poem here by 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, April 16.
Include a title + author’s name in your submission. Titles are an exception to the rule, and do not need to pull words from the newsletter.
Poems, excluding title and author’s name, must be 75 words or less.
The fun stuff:
While we’ve placed a pretty big limitation on your poem’s words, the form + direction is up to you — and we can’t wait to see what you all come up with.
The Editorial team behind SDtoday will narrow submissions down to a group of finalists based on style, originality, artistic quality, and creativity. Finalists will be announced in our Friday, April 21, newsletter and we’ll ask our readers to vote for their favorite poem. The winner’s poem will be featured in our Wednesday, April 26, newsletter.
Pro tip: To make the process easier on yourself, we recommend printing out today’s issue, highlighting the words you find most interesting, and crossing them out as you include them in your poem.
Don’t forget to keep track of your articles (words like “the” or “and”).
Sunny Day Real Estate | Wednesday, Apr. 5 | 7 p.m. | The Observatory North Park, 2891 University Ave., San Diego | $41 | The Seattle-formed band performs with The Appleseed Cast.
The Conrad Presents Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater | Wednesday, Apr. 5 | 7:30 p.m. | Civic Theatre, 1100 Third Ave., San Diego | $21.50-$79.50 | Watch works from the company that transcends barriers and celebrates the African American cultural experience.
Thursday, April 6
National Walking Day at Lake Jennings | Thursday, Apr. 6 | 8 a.m.-12 p.m. | Lake Jennings, 9535 Harritt Rd., Lakeside | $4 | Lace up your sneakers and stroll around the lake’s 5.5-mile loop — open only for walking today, just for the occasion.
PATH San Diego’s 10th Anniversary Celebration | Thursday, Apr. 6 | 5-9 p.m. | WeWork, 600 B St., San Diego | $95-$125 | This fundraiser celebrates PATH’s mission to end homelessness in San Diego.
Friday, April 7
Breathe with Us | Friday, April 7 | 8-9 a.m. | Museum of Us, Balboa Park, San Diego | $10 | Climb the historic California Tower while enjoying moments of guided meditation; once you get to the top, partake in a yoga session.
Kid’s Night Out | Friday, Apr. 7 | 4:30-9 p.m. | Community Park, 13094 Civic Center Dr., Poway | $10-$20 | A night of games and fun for children in grades 1-5.
Yesterday, San Diego, state, and White House officials celebrated the opening of the new West Mission Bay Drive Bridge — the largest bridge replacement in the city’s history. The $148 million project began in 2018, adds lanes for vehicles, and provides paths for bikes and pedestrians. (Times of San Diego)
Traffic
A stretch of state Route 78 between College Boulevard and El Camino Real in Oceanside reopens today. The westbound section closed on March 15 after heavy rains caused damages that called for emergency repairs. Next, the eastbound side will be closed to repair damaged culverts. (Times of San Diego)
Announced
Comedian Jo Koy will bring his 2023 world tour to Pechanga Arena on Saturday, Nov. 4. Tickets will go on sale tomorrow, April 6, at 12 p.m. and will start at $45.50. (Fox 5)
Health
The San Diego Center for AIDS Research at UC San Diego was awarded $15.45 million by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. Funds from the 5-year grant will allow the center to continue AIDS research and accelerate the development of new treatments. (ABC 10)
Sports
The San Diego Gulls are hosting Fan Appreciation Night during their game on Saturday, April 8, at 7 p.m. Join the team for a pregame tailgate and a giveaway of Lukas Dostal — who served as the team’s goalie earlier this season — bobbleheads. Tickets start at $26.
Plan Ahead
The Port of San Diego is hosting a free South Beach Earth Day event on Saturday, April 15, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Bayfront Park in Chula Vista. The celebration will feature hands-on green activities, 40+ vendors, live entertainment, and opportunities to learn how to reduce waste.
These gifts are fire. | Photo via Uncommon Goods | Photo via Uncommon Goods
Whether you’re looking for a birthday gift, a housewarming present, or a little something that says “I’m thinking of you,” we’ve curated this guide with 25 gifts that fit any budget.
Cats vs. dogs card game ($12) | This game is based on the age-old question — are you a cat or dog person?
Tiki toss ring toss game($17.99) | The perfect gift to strike up a little healthy competition. Bonus: It can be enjoyed by all ages.
Rain cloud plant waterer ($24.97) | For the friend that loves plants and could use a fun way to spice up their plant watering routine.
Portable campfire($30) | Who says you have to go camping to enjoy a campfire? With this portable campfire, roast marshmallows any time, anywhere.
Shiatsu massage pillow($84.95) | Anyone that works from home or in an office will love this pressure and tension-relieving gift.
My favorite way to start each day? With coffee, of course. Head to the Dutch Bros in Oceanside for my current favorite — an iced Golden Eagle, featuring espresso, half and half, and topped with plenty of caramel drizzle.
Content marked with an * is paid advertising. Content marked with an ^ is created by our content studio. The company may also generate commission from affiliate links in the newsletter.